In the week following Sandy, we weren't flooded, but we were without everything else - I ended up living by candlelight - no phones, no computers, no light, no power. If we took a walk at night to go and find something to eat, it was completely black, with no lights coming out of the windows, no street lights: a very apocalyptic feeling.

In this quote, Lee Ranaldo describes his experience during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Although his home wasn't physically flooded, he and others in his community faced a different kind of hardship: being without basic utilities such as power, phones, computers, and lights. This loss of infrastructure left them in a state of disconnection and darkness, forcing Ranaldo to adapt to an unfamiliar way of living by relying on candlelight for illumination.

Ranaldo reflects on the eerie experience of walking through his neighborhood at night during this time. Without streetlights or lights from homes, the area was shrouded in darkness, contributing to an overwhelming sense of isolation and fear. The lack of familiar signs of life, such as lights shining through windows, created a "black" and desolate atmosphere, further heightening the sense of being cut off from the world.

The phrase "a very apocalyptic feeling" underscores the emotional and psychological toll of the situation. Ranaldo draws a comparison to the end of the world or a post-disaster scenario, where everything familiar is stripped away, and daily life is upended. This moment of chaos and uncertainty highlighted how fragile modern life can be, particularly when dependent on technology and infrastructure that can be easily disrupted by natural disasters.

Ultimately, Ranaldo’s statement captures the disorientation and sense of helplessness people often experience when faced with major disasters. His words speak to the profound impact that such events have not just on the environment, but on the way people relate to the world around them and to each other, reminding us of how much we rely on modern conveniences.